Adventure travel specialist Explore Worldwide has revealed that its much-anticipated Big Blue Sale has launched to exceptional early success, and clear trends emerging around destination choice and travel style for 2026.
Growth destinations are performing particularly strongly. Jordan is the standout, up 230% year-on-year, signaling a confident return in demand, while Iceland reservations have more than doubled. Tunisia, Egypt and Oman are also all recording growth of more than 100% compared to the same period last year reflecting a wider increase for north African and Middle Eastern destinations for 2026.
Family travel is proving especially popular during the sale period, with families booking in high numbers for destinations that combine culture, wildlife and adventure. The most popular destinations booked by families so far include Egypt, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and South Africa.
Within the first week of the sale, the top five trips booked have been:
Simply Japan (was from £3995 now from £3196, saving £799)
Traverse Japan on this tour from Tokyo to Kyoto. Travel through history, visiting temples and castles that remain unchanged from the days of the Shogun and learning about the sombre past of Hiroshima. Along the way, stay in a Buddhist temple lodging, spot snow monkeys and free-roaming deer, hop on and off bullet trains and sample famous snacks like takoyaki octopus balls.
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour (was from £2765, now from £2212, saving £553)
For a tiny country, Costa Rica packs a huge wildlife punch. Containing five per cent of the world’s biodiversity, its thick forests teem with life, from brightly coloured toucans to slow-moving sloths.
Sri Lanka in Depth (was from £1995 now from £1596, saving £399)
Discover the Pearl of the Indian Ocean on this two-week tour of Sri Lanka. From ancient cities to gilded Buddhist temples and wild national parks, our itinerary ticks off the island’s icons and more. Climb Lion’s Rock at sunrise, explore ‘Little England’ and the surrounding highlands and wind up on the beach in Koggala. Along the way, get a taste of Sri Lankan cuisine, sampling fragrant curries, fresh seafood and more.
Jordan Discovery (was from £1145, now from £916, saving £229)
From the unreal beauty of rock-carved Petra to the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum, Jordan is steeped in bucket-list gems. Journey through the ancient monuments of Amman and beyond, uncover the tombs and temples of the fabled rose-red city, and sleep on the dunes of the desert, all while getting a taste of Jordanian life, both today and long ago.
Family Egyptian Sphinx, Pyramids and Nile Rover (was from £1255, now from £1004, saving £251)
Get set for a family adventure to uncover Egypt’s ancient wonders. Witness some of the world’s greatest archaeological sites, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx and spot Tutankhamun’s mask at Cairo’s enthralling Egyptian Museum. Then, board a traditional felucca and sail north to Luxor, stopping to visit the Valley of the Kings. Finally, swim and snorkel in the warm waters of the Red Sea.
Explore Worldwide’s Big Blue Sale offers savings of up to 20% on more than 2,000 trip departures in 2026, running from Thursday 1 January until Wednesday 21 January. The offer applies to a wide selection of departures travelling throughout 2026, giving travellers the chance to plan well ahead and secure significant savings.
The sale spans Explore’s full portfolio of classic discovery, walking, cycling and family adventures, with standout journeys available across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Michael Edwards, Managing Director at Explore Worldwide, said: “The early response to this year’s Big Blue Sale has been incredibly encouraging and really highlights how confident travellers are feeling about planning ahead for 2026.
“We’re seeing particularly strong demand for destinations that offer rich cultural experiences, wildlife encounters and a sense of rediscovery, with Jordan’s growth being a standout example.
“Family travel has also emerged as a key trend, with parents looking to lock in meaningful, experience-led adventures well in advance. At the same time, destinations such as Japan, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica continue to resonate strongly with travellers seeking depth, variety and expert-led exploration.
“With more than 2,000 discounted departures available across our full range of adventures, the Big Blue Sale is giving travellers a rare opportunity to secure some of our most sought-after trips at outstanding value, and the momentum we’re seeing suggests this will be one of our strongest January sales periods yet”
To view the full range of discounted trips and complete terms and conditions, visit www.explore.co.uk/big-blue-sale or call 01252 884 709
